By Shaun Delliskave | [email protected]

An aspiring entrepreneur studying at the University of Utah was named Miss Murray 2021, Sept. 11, at Murray High School. Morgan Workman, a 2020 Murray High graduate, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship at the pageant, which she will apply toward finishing her degree in entrepreneurship with a minor in modern dance. 

In addition to being the daughter of Brandi and Ben Workman, she has a full-ride scholarship to the university. She also hopes to open a fitness studio.

Q: What inspired you to enter the pageant?

A: Lisa Lloyd. I had sports psychology with her in high school, and she kept pushing me to compete in the pageant/scholarship competition. I entered the first year, in 2020, and didn’t place at all. I wasn’t going to compete again, but she really wanted me to, so I went for it. I prepared all summer and felt much more prepared this year, and I won. I love what the Miss Murray and Miss America organizations stand for: service, scholarship, style and success.

Q: What was it like to be named Miss Murray?

A: It was a very surreal and overwhelming experience. Putting that crown on means, I am stepping into a position of service and leadership for Murray City. 

Q: What have you learned about yourself during the process?

A: I learned that I have a voice and that I need to use it if I am going to change the world. That’s what this organization does; it gives a voice to all women. I am so honored to be in this position.

Q: What is your platform as Miss Murray?

A: My platform is the “Gift of Movement Scholarship.” It’s a scholarship for youth 18 and under who can’t afford to participate in sports or performing arts. I raise money through different fundraising events and select the scholarship winner by having the applicants submit an essay on why they deserve the scholarship. Prior to winning the title of Miss Murray, I raised $1,000 through a self-defense fundraising class taught by Dan Smith, a police officer willing to donate his time. I was able to award that scholarship to a girl named Gracie, who loves to dance and needed this scholarship to continue dancing. 

Q: What inspired your choice of platform?

A: I chose the “Gift of Movement Scholarship” as my platform because growing up, I couldn’t afford to do what I love, which was dance. I would search long and hard for scholarships, but unfortunately, there aren’t many out there for youth. Luckily, I received scholarships throughout my dancing career to continue training. My goal is to continue creating scholarships through the “Gift of Movement.” I know how much it means to receive a scholarship to continue chasing your dreams, and I want to continue doing that for the youth in Murray City. 

Q: Tell us about family and friends who were influential to you, and what are some of the most meaningful things they have done?

A: All of my family and friends have been highly supportive, and I wish I could give them all a shout-out. My biggest influences are my little brothers, Carson and Hayden. We have been through a lot together, and they have always had my back. All I want is to be a good role model to them. They show up to every performance and always have, and that means everything to me—lastly, my parents. I got lucky because I have four: my mom (Brandi), my stepdad (Tim), my dad (Ben), and my stepmom (Megan). They are always there to support me and would give anything and everything to see me succeed. I got extremely lucky.